Lot splits under SB 9 in Sunnyvale: the local rules

Each rule below links to the section of the Sunnyvale Municipal Code it was read from, with the code text one click away (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.

What Sunnyvale's code says

Sunnyvale code What Sunnyvale's code adds
How the lot may be divided	At least 40% of the original parcel's lot area. Applies: Applies to each new parcel. § 18.26.030 · code text At least forty percent of the lot area of the original parcel;
Minimum new lot size	At least 1,200 square feet. Applies: Applies to each new parcel. § 18.26.030 · code text At least one thousand two hundred square feet in size;
Standards	No more than 2 new parcels. Applies: Applies to a proposed urban lot split. § 18.26.030 · code text The proposed urban lot split will create no more than two new parcels, and each of the newly created parcels is: Each parcel borders the public right-of-way or has access to it at least 10 feet wide along its whole length. Applies: Applies to each new parcel. § 18.26.030 · code text Each parcel either adjoins the public right-of-way or has access to the right-of-way that is at least ten feet in width for the entire length; At least 40 feet wide or deep in one direction. Applies: Applies to each new parcel. § 18.26.030 · code text Each parcel has a width or depth measurement of at least forty feet in one direction. No more than 2 dwelling units on each new lot, including any ADUs. Applies: Applies to each new lot. § 18.26.030 · code text The applicant proposes to build no more than two dwelling units on each of the newly created lots, inclusive of any accessory dwelling units. Only in R-0, R-1, R-1.5, R-1.7/PD or R-2 zones, or residential DSP zones. Applies: Applies to the parcel being split. § 18.26.030 · code text The parcel to be subdivided is located in R-0, R-1, R-1.5, R-1.7/PD, or R-2 zoning districts, or residential DSP zoning districts.
Owner occupancy	The owner must intend to live in one unit as principal residence for at least 3 years. Applies: Counted from approval; not required for a community land trust or qualified nonprofit corporation. § 18.26.030 · code text The owner of the parcel intends to occupy one of the housing units as their principal residence for a minimum of three years from the date of the approval of the urban lot split.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I split my lot under SB 9 in Sunnyvale?

Sunnyvale's code: At least 1,200 square feet. (Applies to each new parcel.) (§ 18.26.030); The owner must intend to live in one unit as principal residence for at least 3 years. (Counted from approval; not required for a community land trust or qualified nonprofit corporation.) (§ 18.26.030).

Lot splits under SB 9 in Sunnyvale

What Sunnyvale's code says

Who this affects

Frequently asked questions

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